Musical Instrument Support Methods and Apparatus

ABSTRACT

At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be an item support apparatus ( 1 ) that comprises at least two fee ( 4 ); a base ( 5 ) from which said feet extend at a first retention element ( 6 ); at least two risers ( 7 ) retained to the base by a second retention element ( 8 ); and at least one arm ( 9 ) retained to each riser by an arm retainer ( 10 ). Disclosed is a novel, efficient yet strong item support stand that may be used to support an item such as a musical instrument (a keyboard, as but one example) and that may be collapsible and/or adjustable in certain embodiments.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the inventive technology relates to item support methods andapparatus. Specifically, it relates to methods and apparatus which cansupport an item (including but not limited to musical instruments suchas a keyboard) in a desired spatial position and with adequate supportagainst anticipated load(s). Certain embodiments may be collapsible intoa storage configuration for efficient storage and/or convenienttransport of the support apparatus. Some embodiments may achieve anefficient yet strong design with risers generally forming a “V” shapewhen the apparatus is in its final deployed configuration.

BACKGROUND

The desire to support items has been known in some industries for manyyears. In a basic form, the concept may involve a readily deployable andcollapsible support stand that is able to accommodate and supportanticipated loads. In the musical instrument support stand industry,particular attention has been paid to development of apparatus that arecollapsible into a storage configuration and later deployable into anoperational configuration, perhaps compatible with a variety ofdifferently sized items (e.g., a variety of differently sizedkeyboards). The collapsibility feature has evolved, of course, at leastin part from the need for musicians to set up stage, perhaps at adifferent venue each evening. Because compatibility may be a desiredfeature of some stands, the music industry has developed several standsthat have adjustable support structures.

Particularly where a supported item is used while it is supported by thestand (e.g., a keyboard), adjustability of a stand may be a desiredfeature (e.g., to accommodate different users' heights). Additionally,it may even be that a keyboard player who plans to aggressively play ahigh pitched percussive piece would want a broader support base than asimilarly sized player playing a less aggressive piece substantially atthe center of the keyboard. These and other facets relative to musiciansand the instruments they play make an ability to change certain featuresof a deployed stand to accommodate different users, styles andinstruments a desired, albeit unnecessary, stand feature.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present inventive technology includes a variety of aspects which maybe selected in different combinations based upon the particularapplication or needs to be addressed. In one basic form, the inventivetechnology discloses a novel, easily deployable stand for an item suchas a musical instrument (e.g., a keyboard) to be supported in a certainspatial position. In at least one embodiment of the invention, tworisers and two feet may be retained to a base from which they maydiverge, resulting in an efficient yet strong design.

Although a key application of the present inventive technology ismusical instrument support (of keyboards, or turntables and related gearused by a scratch DJ, as but two examples) there are considerable otherapplications of embodiments of the inventive apparatus. For example,certain embodiments of the apparatus may be able to support a tabletopor a work surface.

Naturally, further objects of the inventive technology are disclosedthroughout other areas of the specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the item support apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows steps of a method of deploying the item support apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows steps of a method of collapsing the item support apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the item supportapparatus.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the item support apparatus in storageconfiguration.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the base and retainers.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the base and retainers.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the base and retainers.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 14 shows views of an embodiment of the base, retainers and supportmembers.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the base, retainers and support members.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the item support apparatus in storageconfiguration.

FIG. 18 shows a step in deploying an embodiment of the item supportapparatus.

FIG. 19 shows a sequential step in deploying an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 20 shows a sequential step in deploying an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 21 shows a sequential step in deploying an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 22 shows a sequential step in deploying an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 23 shows a two-tiered embodiment of a musical instrument supportapparatus.

FIG. 24 shows an exploded view of a riser of an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of a riser of an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 26 shows a close-up of a collar lock of an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 27 shows knobs of a collar lock of an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 28 shows a telescoping retainer of an embodiment of the itemsupport apparatus.

FIG. 29 shows arm retainers of an embodiment of the item supportapparatus.

FIG. 30 shows schematic representations of embodiments of the inventiveapparatus.

FIG. 31 shows schematic representations of embodiments of the inventiveapparatus.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As mentioned earlier, the present invention includes a variety ofaspects, which may be combined in different ways. The followingdescriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of theembodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed withinitial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may becombined in any manner and in any number to create additionalembodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodimentsshould not be construed to limit the present invention to only theexplicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further,this description should further be understood to support and encompassdescriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems,techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of thedisclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and allvarious permutations and combinations of all elements in this or anysubsequent application.

At least one embodiment of the invention may be an item supportapparatus 1 (e.g., a musical instrument support apparatus 2 such as akeyboard support apparatus 3) that comprises at least two feet 4; a base5 from which said feet extend at a first retention element 6; at leasttwo risers 7 retained to the base by a second retention element 8; andat least one arm 9 retained to each riser by an arm retainer 10.

The term feet refers to those structures, other than the base or theretention elements, which each have at least a portion that contacts anunderlying support surface 11 (e.g., a stage floor). Feet can bestraight, can be curved in any manner, and can even have one or moreportions that do not contact the underlying support surface. Feet or anysupport member are said to be curved whenever even only a portionthereof is curved. When deployed (e.g., when in a final deployed footconfiguration 12), they may exhibit the appearance roughly of a “V” 13or a “U” 14. Where the retention element that retains the feet to thebase extends (e.g., horizontally) from the base, the feet may form theupper segment(s) (which may be straight or curved) of a “Y” 15. Inpreferred embodiments, each foot contacts a lower support surface atmore than one point when in a final deployed foot configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the feet are pivotally deployable feet 16 andare retained to the base by a pivot retention element 17. The pivotallydeployable feet may be rotated in a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane)during deployment of the apparatus during set- up. The feet, in theirfinal deployed foot configuration, may have a foot separation width 18(e.g., a distance between the midpoints of each of the feet) thatcharacterizes to some extent their degree of “spread” over theunderlying support surface.

The term retention element is a broad term that includes any device,mechanism, structure or apparatus that retains one part or parts toanother part or parts. One part can be retained to another part eventhough a connection between the two may be indirect (e.g., a part A canbe retained to part B by an intermediate part C). It includes weld(s),ball and socket joint(s), and devices that allow rotation in only one,or more, plane, as but a few examples. In keeping with the broaddefinition of the term element (which generally relates to one or morepart, mechanism, device, etc. as described), the term retainer elementmay refer to not only a single retainer 19, but also to a set or groupof retainers 20. Indeed, certain embodiments of the inventive technologyinclude retention elements that each include two retainers. A retainerelement can be a weld(s), a ball-and socket joint, and/or those pivotretainers 21 that each enable rotation about a single axis. Theretainers of one retention element may be established between theretainers of another retention element (see FIG. 10, e.g.).

In certain embodiments, the retainers are pivot retainers 22 (or theretainer elements are pivot retainer elements 23) in that they allowsome type of rotational motion of the retained part about one or moreaxes in addition to retaining the part(s). Particularly in thoseembodiments whose feet form parts of a “Y”, the retainer element thatretains the feet to the base may extend from the base horizontally (seeFIG. 30 c and FIG. 30 d); in those embodiments where the apparatus ingeneral exhibits a “Y” shape (in its deployed configuration and whenviewed from the front or rear), the retainer element that retains therisers to the base may extend upwards (see FIG. 30 a, FIG. 30 d and FIG.30 e).

The base may be that element that keeps any two or more of theindividual retainers in relative positions such that performance(deployment, support, etc.) of the apparatus is not compromised. Inpreferred embodiments, foot and riser retainers are held by the base infixed position relative to each other (of course, retainers so held canstill enable rotation of a part(s) retained as intended). However,designs in which at least one retainer is translatable (within limits)relative to another retainer are also within the ambit of the inventivetechnology. It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, when theapparatus is in a final deployed configuration, the base rests on anunderlying surface instead of being suspended above the underlyingsurface, although certainly a design where feet ascend to a suspendedbase are within the ambit of the inventive technology. In preferredembodiments, when the apparatus is in a final deployed configuration,the base may be established substantially on an underlying surface.Certain embodiments may have a comprehensively compact base (e.g., asshown in FIG. 30 a, FIG. 30 b, FIG. 30 e, FIG. 31 b and FIG. 31 c), ormerely a width compact base (see, e.g., FIG. 30 c and FIG. 30 d), ormerely a depth compact base (see, e.g., FIG. 30 f and FIG. 30 a).

The term riser includes at least some of the apparatus parts that ascend(e.g., from the base) and provide to the arms all or at least most oftheir elevated position when the apparatus is in a final deployedconfiguration (see FIG. 1, e.g.). Of course, their ascension from thebase need not be perfectly vertical but need only have a verticalcomponent (i.e., be upwards). They may be straight or curved, and, incertain embodiments, form a “V” or “U” shape when in their finaldeployed configuration as viewed from the front or rear of the apparatus(e.g., when viewed “straight on”). Risers can be retained by a retainerelement that extends upwards from the base, thereby lending a “Y” shapeto the apparatus. However, in preferred embodiments, the retentionelement that retains the risers to the base does not extendsignificantly upwards and the risers have a “U” or a more preferred “V”shape.

It should also be noted that in preferred embodiments, and in a finaldeployed apparatus configuration, risers may be said to angle outwardsfrom each other at the base such that a horizontal distance 24 betweenthem increases as a distance from the base increases. In at least oneembodiment, risers do not intersect 25, where an X shape is defined asintersecting (note that intersection may be achieved even where oneriser crosses immediately behind another but the two do not touch). Asubstantially “V” shape appearing apparatus may have non-intersectingrisers.

In at least some embodiments of the invention, pivotally deployablerisers may be rotatable about two axes 26, 27 to enable, e.g.,deployment of the apparatus. Such multi-axis rotation may be affordedentirely by a certain type of pivot retention element (that enablesrotation about two axes consecutively 28 (preferred) or simultaneously(as in a ball and socket joint)). Again, such pivot retention elementsmay include ball and socket retainers, or retainers that allow rotation(e.g., consecutive rotation) about different axes as shown in FIG. 14,as but two examples. In other embodiments, however, such multi-axisrotation may be afforded by a pivot retention element (e.g., that allowsrotation about one axis) established at a first part of the base (towhich the pivot retention element may be retained) that is rotatablerelative to a second part of the base (see FIG. 7, e.g.). In such otherembodiments, such a base design may allow rotation about a first axis 29(e.g., a horizontal axis) to enable substantial elevating of the risers,and, after such elevation is obtained, the obstruction to rotation abouta different axis 30 (e.g., one that is orthogonal to the immediatelyaforementioned horizontal axis) is no longer in an interfering positionand a “splitting” 31 (e.g., angling outwards) of the risers may now bepossible. In certain embodiments, a pivotally deployable riser isrotatable about at least one axis that is different from (e.g.,orthogonal to) the axis about which the pivotally deployable feet mayrotatable.

In at least one embodiment, risers may each have a lower terminus 32 atwhich each is pivotally retained by a pivotal retention element, inaddition to a lower projection 33 (e.g., an imaginary line extension ofa line such as a centerline, or a translation thereof, characterizing ariser) each of which is below a respective lower terminus (i.e., a lowerterminus of the specific riser) when the item support apparatus is in afinal deployed configuration. The lower projections may intersect at apoint 34 that is below the lower termina when the item support apparatusis in its final deployed apparatus configuration.

It is also of note that in at least one embodiment of the inventivetechnology, in a final deployed apparatus configuration, risers may forman angle 35 (a relative angle) which may be changeable without effectinga concurrent change in a foot separation width. Thus, the two may beindependently changeable.

It should be understood that in at least one embodiment, the desiredelevation of the deployed arms may be achieved by either or both of:adjustment of the relative angle of the risers, and adjustment of thelength of the risers. Adjustment of the length of the risers (resultingin an arm height adjust capability) may be achieved by risers that aretelescopable 36, which feature itself may be achieved by a collar lock37 perhaps being operable with a knob 38. There may also be heightsetting numbers on the extending riser part 39. Stoppage of the relativeangle of the risers may be achieved by stops 40 which serve to obstructfurther motion (e.g., rotation) of the risers. The stops may be a camshape with lobes (where perhaps more than one lobe, each maybe having adifferent radial projection, may offer adjustment capability uponrotation of the cam), or may be an angle plate 41 that also obstructs soas to prevent further motion. The angle plate may provide only one or avery few selectable stoppage positions and be removable such thatstoppage by another part of the apparatus provides an additionalselectable stoppage position 42. The angle plate may be removable froman obstruction position for storage, perhaps at a different part of theapparatus 44. Stops may be removable from their stoppage position,either by unscrewing or snapping them out of an interference position(as but two examples). Indeed, a wide variety of manners of providing adesired obstruction (again, perhaps at different selectable stoppagepositions) are contemplated by the term stop.

At least one arm (on which the supported item may rest) may be retainedto each of the risers by an arm retainer. An arm retainer is a broadterm that includes, inter alia, welds, joints that allow movement of thearm relative to the riser, and pivotal arm retainers 45. A pivotal armretainer not only couples the arm to the riser but also enables rotationof the arm relative to the riser. An arm may be height adjustable, e.g.,as where the riser to which it is retained is rotatable about ahorizontal axis, and/or the riser to which it is retained istelescopable. An arm may be rotatable about an axis 46, e.g., ahorizontal axis during elevation of the risers, that is different fromthat axis 26 (e.g. a horizontal axis) about which the risers may berotatable. Arms may be rotatable during a superimposed revolving motion47 such that the arms may be rotatable about a revolving axis 48 (e.g.,a revolving horizontal axis). Of additional mention is that where morethan one arm is retained to one riser, the apparatus may be said to havetwo support tiers 49.

It should be noted that in methods using the term “established”, suchterm implies placing, positioning or situating the referenced element asindicated. Of particular note as to inventive methods of the apparatusis that in at least one embodiment, a relative angle of the risers maybe changed without effecting a concurrent change in the foot separationwidth. Additionally of note is an inventive method whereby arms retainedto the risers are deployable from an arm storage configuration 50 (anarm folded against each riser and risers in a storage configuration) toa final deployed arm configuration 52 by a single user and withoutrequiring a change in hand grip.

In at least one embodiment, an item support apparatus (a term that mayrefer to the entire apparatus or merely a part(s) thereof that play arole in the support afforded by the entire apparatus) may comprise abase, at least two divergent support members 53 emanating from the base,two retention elements that retain the divergent support members to thebase, and at least two arms responsive to at least one of the divergentsupport members (it should be noted that two arms would be responsive toone divergent support member in a “double “Y” design”). A support memberis a broad term and includes any substantially elongated part (curved orstraight) of the apparatus that may play a role in supporting thesupported item such that the item may remain substantially in a desiredposition (e.g., fixed position) upon application of a design (e.g.,expected) load. It may include, in addition to risers, feet, arms, orparts 54 of the retention element that may emanate from the base (e.g.,in a design having feet and/or risers that form parts of a “Y” shape),inter alia. The support member may be a substantially longitudinalmember 55 (e.g., its length is greater than twice its width, depth ordiameter) and may have any shape, including but not limited to circular,oval, square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, etc. It may be a hollowmember such as a tube or it may be solid such as a bar. In a “double “Y”design”, where each the feet and the risers form upper parts of a “Y”shape (see FIG. 30 d), two support members would emanate from the base.In a “single “Y” design” (where either the feet or the risers form upperparts of a “Y” shape as in FIG. 30 a, 30 c or 30 e), three supportmembers would emanate from the base. In a double “V” or a double “U”design (where the feet exhibit a “V” or a “U” shape and the risersexhibit a “V” or a “U” shape as in FIG. 30 b, FIG. 31 a, FIG. 31 b andFIG. 31 c), or in a UV design (see FIG. 30 f, e.g.), four supportmembers would emanate from the base. It should be understood that, forpurposes of clarity, FIGS. 30 and 31 are merely schematicrepresentations of what typically is a more complex appearing apparatus.Thus, the pivotal retainers that appear in the preferred embodiment donot appear in FIGS. 30 or 31.

It should be noted that the term responsive is a general term thatindicates that there is a motion in one part that will cause a responsein another part. For example, an arm that is responsive to a supportmember indicates that there is a certain type of movement of thatsupport member that will cause a movement in that arm. Of course, as isthe case with the term “retain”, it addresses designs where parts arenot only in direct contact but also in indirect contact (e.g., part A isindirectly connected with part B via intermediate part C).

The inventive technology also includes a support apparatus (which in atleast one embodiment is shown in FIG. 6) that comprises a base having afirst part 56 that is rotatable relative to a second part 57, and atleast two pivot retention elements joined to the base and adapted topivotally retain at least four support members to the base. A first ofthe pivot retention elements may pivotally retain a first set of two ofthe support members to the base and enable pivoting of the first set oftwo support members about at least one first axis, and a second 58 ofthe pivot retention elements may pivotally retain a second set 59 of twoof the support members to the first part of said base, thereby enablingpivoting of the second set of two support members about at least onesecond axis 60.

It should be noted that although certain descriptions herein ofembodiments of the inventive technology may be given explicitly for itemsupport apparatus and methods, these descriptions should be understoodto apply to also other, more specific item support apparatus and methodssuch as musical instrument support apparatus and methods (includingkeyboard support apparatus and methods). Indeed, if the term “musicalinstrument” in the claims as originally filed were replaced with theterm “item”, the description provided herein should be understood toalso describe such subject matter, as the description herein relates toitem support apparatus and methods, musical instrument support apparatusand methods, and keyboard support apparatus and methods, inter alia. Theterm musical instrument should be understood to include not onlytraditional musical instruments such as a keyboard, xylophone, marimba,bells, glockenspiel (or other melody percussion instruments), and thedobro, but also DJ equipment, record scratching turntables, speakers, asound board or any other items that may be used to produce or altermusical sounds. Items other than musical instruments that may besupported include a tabletop, a work surface, a drafting table, etc.

Other features that may be incorporated in the inventive apparatusinclude a handle 61 that is attached to some part of the stand (e.g., ariser or a foot) such that the apparatus can be easily carried in itsstorage configuration. Embodiments may include an accessory attachmentsuch as a sheet music holder 62 or a microphone boom attachment 63, toname a few. Of course, the handled design would work best when at leastsome parts of the apparatus can lock (e.g., prevent rotation in at leastan impending motion direction) into their collapsedconfiguration—perhaps after certain parts are forced into a lockedposition, as where the legs and/or risers can be locked into a retainer(e.g., a yieldable retainer such as a collar retainer 64, which may bepart of a collar lock) established around at least part of anothersupport member(s) in some embodiments). The lock may also be provided atthe retention element, perhaps using a spring loaded detent. In apreferred embodiment, the feet are lockable to collar retainersestablished around the risers, although the inventive technologyincludes designs where other support members are lockable to differentsupport members upon reaching their storage position. A collar retainermay include a yieldable retainer part that can receive and can retainagainst expected transport forces a different support member or lockpart attached thereto.

It should also be noted that in some embodiments, support members (e.g.,the feet, the risers and the arms) may fully lock (automatically or not)up reaching their final deployed positions. Although such locking iscertainly not necessary (as the preclusion of rotation in perhaps onlyan impending direction under load afforded as an inherent feature of thenon-locking designs may be sufficient retention), it may be a desiredand easily added feature of some designs in which a fully locked finaldeployed apparatus configuration is desired.

Embodiments of the inventive apparatus may also incorporate elementsthat allow for cabling against or within support member(s) of theapparatus so that electronic items (e.g., a keyboard or a soundboard, asbut two examples) may be powered in an efficient and clean-appearingmanner. Some such elements may include cable clips 65 that enableattachment (e.g., removable attachment) of the cable(s) to the outsideof support members (e.g., risers); a channel that enables concealedattachment of the cable(s) to the outside of support members (e.g.,risers); and/or ports at certain parts of the apparatus that allow acable(s) to be established inside at least part of a support member(s).

Although the fully collapsible design may be preferred for reasonsrelated to limited storage space, a butterfly design (which may be evenmore quickly set up than a fully collapsible design but take up morestorage space) is also included within the inventive technology.

Examples of the many materials of which the apparatus may be madeinclude plastic, metal, fiberglass, wood, ceramics, graphite, carbonfiber materials, glass, or combinations thereof, or generally, anymaterial(s) that are sufficiently strong to provide support necessary.Manners of making the apparatus are well within the skills of one ofordinary skill in the art, and include extrusion molding, injectionmolding other types of molding, and/or machining, as but a few.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involvesboth item (e.g., musical instrument) support techniques as well asdevices to accomplish the appropriate support. In this application, theitem support techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to beachieved by the various devices described and as steps which areinherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizingthe devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devicesare disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplishcertain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly,as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood tobe encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this patent application is intended to serveas a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature orelement can actually be representative of a broader function or of agreat variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these areimplicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is describedin device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitlyperforms a function. Not only are apparatus claims included for thedevice described, but also method or process claims are included toaddress the functions the invention and each element performs. Neitherthe description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope ofthe claims in this or any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes arealso implicitly included in the description. They still fall within thescope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiments shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure and may be relied in order to support oneor more of the claims of this or any subsequent patent application. Withthis understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure isto be understood to support as broad a base of claims as deemed withinthe applicant's right that are designed to yield a patent coveringnumerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overallsystem.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used orimplied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual aswell as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected.This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation,be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a methodor process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element ofthese. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosurerelates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may beexpressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only thefunction or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even moregeneric terms should be considered to be encompassed in the descriptionof each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desiredto make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventionis entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that allactions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as anelement which causes that action. Similarly, each physical elementdisclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the actionwhich that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, asbut one example, the disclosure of a “retainer” should be understood toencompass disclosure of the act of “retaining”—whether explicitlydiscussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure ofthe act of “retaining”, such a disclosure should be understood toencompass disclosure of a “retainer” and even a “means for retaining”Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitlyincluded in the description.

Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in thisapplication for patent; or patents, publications, or other referencesmentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated byreference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understoodthat unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent withsuch interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understoodas incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms,and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's UnabridgedDictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference.Finally, all references listed in the Reference Table or otherinformation statement or list of references filed with the applicationare hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as toeach of the above, to the extent that such information or statementsincorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with thepatenting of this inventions such statements are expressly not to beconsidered as made by the applicants.

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II. Other Documents

Konig & Meyer Spider Keyboard Stand, audioMIDI.com Dec. 28, 2004Ultimate Support Systems, Inc. 1994 Product Catalog Ultimate SupportSystems, Inc. 1996 Product Catalog Ultimate Support Systems, Inc. 1999Product Catalog Ultimate Support Systems, Inc. 2000 Product CatalogUltimate Support Systems, Inc. 2001 Product Catalog Ultimate SupportSystems, Inc. 2002 Product Catalog Ultimate Support Systems, Inc. 2003Product Catalog

Thus, the applicants should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the item supportdevices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methodsdisclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicitvariations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternativedesigns which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosedand described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplisheach of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which isdisclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown asseparate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced bythe various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resultingproducts produced by such systems or components, ix) each system,method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specificfield or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially asdescribed hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of theelements disclosed, and xii) each potentially dependent claim or conceptas a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims orconcepts presented; xiii) each feature, component, and step shown asseparate and independent inventions; and xiv) the various combinationsand permutations of each of the above and of any elements of each claim.In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and soas to avoid adding potentially hundreds of additional claims, theapplicant has presented the claims with initial dependencies only.Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under newmatter laws—including but not limited to European Patent ConventionArticle 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other suchlaws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or otherelements presented under one independent claim as dependencies orelements under any other independent claim.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. Support should be understood to exist to thedegree required under new matter laws—including but not limited toEuropean Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of thevarious dependencies or other elements presented under one independentclaim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independentclaim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in thisapplication or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

Both the priority filing, if any, and the claims set forth later in thisspecification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of thisdescription of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves theright to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of suchclaims as additional description to support any of or all of the claimsor any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expresslyreserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporatedcontent of such claims or any element or component thereof from thedescription into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define thematter for which protection is sought by this application or by anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, orto comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country ortreaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive duringthe entire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof orany reissue or extension thereon. The claims initially presented are tobe understood as also stating in this textual section of thespecification, clauses and subject matter that are expressly designatedby the applicant to be part of the description of embodiments of theinvention. They may be used by the applicant to support any laterclaim(s) recited, amended, or reinserted in this patent application andmay be used to support any claims recited in any subsequentcontinuation, continuation-in-part, or division patent application.Further, even if subsequently amended, cancelled, or otherwise altered,the claims originally set forth in this and the priority filing(s) arehereby incorporated by reference as part of this section, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of anyof the content of such as additional description to support any claim orelement, any amendment, and any component thereof. The content of thissection (both listed and incorporated by reference) shall survive duringthe entire pendency of this application including any subsequentcontinuation, division, or continuation-in-part thereof or any reissueor extension thereon.

Finally, it should be understood that the term “at least one” as used inthe description and claims is not intended nor used in this disclosureto mean that other claims or descriptions not incorporating the “atleast one” language cannot further include one or more like elements andthe language “at least one” is not intended nor used to change“open-ended” claims, inherently including devices or methods havingadditional elements or steps apart from those claimed, into“closed-ended” claims wherein devices or methods having additionalelements would not be covered by such claims. Further, if or when used,the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” (or its equivalent inAustralia and the like, “including”) is used to maintain the “open-end”claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus,unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that theterm “comprise”, “include” (if or when inserted), or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of astated element or step or group of elements or steps but not theexclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps.Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as toafford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. Further,this application should be considered to support claims as follows:methods substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference toany of the accompanying examples, and apparatus substantially asdescribed hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanyingexamples.

1-85. (canceled)
 86. A musical instrument support apparatus, comprising:at least two feet; a base to which said feet are retained by a firstretention element; at least two pivotally deployable risers pivotallyretained to said base by a second retention element; and at least onearm retained to each of said risers by an arm retainer, wherein saidsecond retention element is a pivot retention element, wherein, duringdeployment of said musical instrument support apparatus, said at leasttwo pivotally deployable risers are pivotable about a first horizontalaxis; and said at least one arm is each pivotable about a secondhorizontal axis that is different from said first horizontal axis,wherein at least one of said retention elements is established at a partof said base that is rotatable relative to a different part of saidbase.
 87. A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim86 wherein said first retention element comprises a first retainer set.88. A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 86wherein said second retention element comprises a second retainer set.89. A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 86wherein said second retention element is established at a first part ofsaid base that is rotatable relative to a second part of said base. 90.A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 86 firstaxis does not revolve during deployment of said musical instrumentsupport apparatus.
 91. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 86 second axis revolves during deployment of saidmusical instrument support apparatus.
 92. A musical instrument supportapparatus as described in claim 86 wherein said second retention elementenables rotation of said risers about said first horizontal axis and anon-horizontal axis.
 93. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 86 wherein at least one of said retention elementsenables rotation of a retained support member about two axes.
 94. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 86 furthercomprising a musical instrument supported by said musical instrumentsupport apparatus.
 95. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 86 wherein said musical instrument support apparatuscomprises a keyboard support apparatus.
 96. A musical instrument supportapparatus as described in claim 86 further comprising at least one cableattachment element.
 97. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 86 further comprising ports which enableestablishment of a cable inside at least part of a support member.98-108. (canceled)
 109. A musical instrument support apparatus,comprising: a base; at least two divergent support members emanatingfrom said base; two retention elements that retain said at least twodivergent support members to said base; and at least two arms attachedto and rotatable relative to at least one of said at least two divergentsupport members.
 110. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 109 wherein each of said two divergent supportmembers split into two additional support members away from said base.111. A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 110wherein each of said two divergent support members and their respectivesaid two additional support members form a Y shape.
 112. A musicalinstrument support apparatus as described in claim 109 wherein said atleast two divergent support members comprises at least three divergentsupport members.
 113. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 112 wherein one of said at least three divergentsupport members splits into two additional support members.
 114. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 113 whereinsaid one of said at least three divergent support members and said twoadditional support members form a Y shape.
 115. A musical instrumentsupport apparatus as described in claim 113 wherein said one of said atleast three divergent support members and said two additional supportmembers are risers.
 116. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 112 wherein said at least three divergent supportmembers comprises at least four divergent support members.
 117. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 116 whereintwo of said at least four divergent support members are feet and aremaining two of said at least four divergent support members arerisers.
 118. A musical instrument support apparatus as described inclaim 117 wherein said risers form a V shape when said apparatus is in afinal deployed apparatus configuration.
 119. A musical instrumentsupport apparatus as described in claim 117 wherein said risers form a Ushape when said apparatus is in a final deployed apparatusconfiguration.
 120. A musical instrument support apparatus as describedin claim 116 wherein said at least two arms are retained to said risers.121. A musical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 120wherein said at least two arms are retained to said risers via an armretainer.
 122. A musical instrument support apparatus as described inclaim 112 wherein said at least three divergent support memberscomprises at least three radially divergent support members.
 123. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 112 whereinat least two of said at least three divergent support members areretained at a first part of said base that is rotatable relative to asecond part of said base.
 124. A musical instrument support apparatus asdescribed in claim 112 wherein at least two of said at least fourdivergent support members are each pivotable about two axes.
 125. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 112 whereinat least one of said support members splits into two additional supportmembers.
 126. A musical instrument support apparatus as described inclaim 125 wherein said at least one of said support members that splitsinto two additional support members splits into two risers.
 127. Amusical instrument support apparatus as described in claim 109 furthercomprising (Original) A musical instrument supported by said musicalinstrument support apparatus.
 128. A musical instrument supportapparatus as described in claim 109 wherein said musical instrumentsupport apparatus comprises a keyboard support apparatus.
 129. A musicalinstrument support apparatus as described in claim 109 furthercomprising at least one cable attachment element.
 130. A musicalinstrument support apparatus as described in claim 109 furthercomprising ports which enable establishment of a cable inside at leastpart of a support member. 131-161. (canceled)